Tilt-up door

ABSTRACT

A tilt-up door for a building having an opening including a door frame with vertical track members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical tracks at the upper portion of the tracks and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled with rollers disposed within the vertical tracks and cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. When an upwardly directed motive force acts on the door the cam followers come into engagement with the cam surface to lift the door generally vertically and then rotate the door inwardly as the door is raised into an open raised position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/652,241 filed on Jan. 5, 2010. U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/652,241 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/219,435 filed on Jun. 23, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to doors for large buildings such as airplanehangers, farm equipment storage buildings, marine storage buildings andheavy equipment storage buildings. Such buildings can have doors thatpivot up to an open position to allow the stored equipment to be movedinto or out of the building. For door openings wider than approximately15′ to 25′ conventional sectional overhead doors are typically not usedbecause of the span and the problem of preventing door panel sectionsfrom sagging in the middle as the door is opened. A single panel doorcan be provided with a truss to support the door to preclude sagging ofthe door in the open position.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a tilt-up door system for a building having anopening including a door frame comprising a pair of verticallyjuxtaposed members defining a vertical track. The vertical members canhave at least one first cam surface extending generally laterally fromthe vertical track at an upper portion thereof. The cam surface can havea first steep inclined segment, a second inclined segment and a thirddescending segment. A door sized to span the opening can be pivotallycoupled to the vertical track with at least one roller disposed withinthe vertical track, and at least one cam follower extending laterallyfrom an upper portion of the door in register with the at least onefirst cam surface. The door can be placed in alignment with the openingwith the at least one roller disposed within the vertical track and theat least one cam follower located adjacent the at least one first camsurface. When an upwardly-directed motive force acts upon the door, theat least one cam follower can come into abutment with the first steepinclined segment of the at least one first cam surface which lifts thedoor generally vertically, then into the second inclined segment of theat least one first cam surface which rotates the upper portion of thedoor inwardly, and then against the third descending segment of the atleast one first cam surface to bring the door into an opened, raisedposition

The tilt-up door system can include a second cam surface that can bespaced beneath the first steep inclined segment that can include asecond initial ramped segment whereby the cam follower can ride againstthe second initial ramped segment to prevent the door fromunintentionally opening.

The tilt-up door system can a third cam surface that can be spacedbeneath the third descending segment of the at least one first camsurface whereby the cam follower can be prevented from unintendedoscillating movement with respect to the first cam surface.

The tilt-up door system can include a second cam surface that can beparallel to and vertically space beneath the first cam surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tilt-up door according to theinvention installed on an aircraft hanger building.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tilt-up door shown in FIG. 1partially opened.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tilt-up door shown in FIG. 1 fullyopened.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the tilt-up door shown in FIG. 3showing an alternate door stop arrangement.

FIG. 4 is a view of the tilt-up door shown in FIG. 1 with the door fullyopen showing the door support and a hydraulic actuator operatingmechanism.

FIG. 5 is a partial view looking up showing a carriage in the U-shapedchannel pivotally connected to the door frame.

FIG. 6 is a partial view looking down showing the carriage in theU-shaped channel pivotally connected to the door frame.

FIG. 7 is a partial view looking down showing the top of the carriage inthe U-shaped channel pivotally connected to the door frame.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a carriage according to the invention.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a carriage according to the invention.

FIG. 8B is a top view of an alternate carriage according to theinvention

FIG. 8C is a side view of the alternate carriage of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8D is a partial top view of an alternate carriage according to theinvention.

FIG. 8E is a partial top view of an alternate carriage according to theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a partial view looking up showing a cam follower pivotallymounted to the tilt-up door with the cam follower engaging the camsurface.

FIG. 10 is a partial view showing the track and cam surface with the camfollower engaging the cam surface with the tilt-up door in the closedposition.

FIG. 10A is a partial view showing an alternate track and cam surfacewith the cam follower engaging the cam surface with the tilt-up door inthe closed position.

FIG. 11 is a partial view showing the cam follower engaging the camsurface with the tilt-up door in the open position.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating an alternate U-shaped channeland track arrangement according to the invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of FIG. 5 illustrating the U-shaped channel,carriage, pivot shaft and door frame pivot shaft tube.

FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing of a hydraulic circuit that can be usedwith a tilt-up door according to the invention.

FIG. 15 is a partial schematic front view looking into the door openingof a building having a tilt-up door according to the invention with thedoor removed showing an alternate U-shaped channel arrangement that canbe used with the alternate carriage illustrated in FIGS. 8B-8E.

FIG. 16 is a partial schematic top view showing an alternate actuatorthat can be used with the U-shaped channel arrangement of FIG. 15.

FIG. 16A is a partial schematic top view illustrating the alternateactuator that can be used with U-shaped channel arrangement illustratedin FIG. 15.

FIG. 17A is a partial schematic front view looking into the door openingof a building having a tilt-up door according to the invention with thedoor removed showing an alternate U-shaped channel arrangement that canbe used with an alternate carriage as illustrated in FIGS. 8B-8E.

FIG. 17B is a partial schematic top view showing the alternate U-shapedchannel arrangement of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 is a partial schematic side view looking at the edge of a dooropening of a building having a tilt-up door according to the inventionwith the door removed showing an alternate U-shaped channel arrangementthat can be used with an alternate carriage as illustrated in FIGS.8B-8E.

FIG. 19A is a partial schematic front view of an alternate U-shapedchannel looking into the door opening of a building having a tilt-updoor according to the invention with the door removed showing analternate linear actuating mechanism that can be used with an alternatecarriage as illustrated in FIGS. 8B-8E.

FIG. 19B is a partial schematic side view of the alternate U-shapedchannel of FIG. 19A showing the alternate carriage.

FIG. 19C is a partial schematic side view of the alternate U-shapedchannel and alternate linear actuating mechanism of FIG. 19A showing thealternate linear actuating mechanism.

FIG. 19D is a partial schematic view of the pulley block for use withthe alternate linear actuating mechanism of FIG. 19A removed from theU-shaped channel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Tilt-up doors according to the invention can be used on storagebuildings that can include, but are not limited to, aircraft hangers,farm equipment storage buildings, marine storage buildings and heavyequipment storage buildings requiring doors that are too wide forsectional overhead doors used on residential and commercial buildings.Typically sectional overhead doors can used for door openings up to 15′to 25′ wide without requiring extra support for the door sections toprevent the door sections from sagging when the door is in the openposition. Tilt-up doors are well known for storage buildings requiringdoor openings wider than 20′ to 25′ wide. The tilt-up door according tothe invention includes an improved door lift arrangement.

Turning to FIGS. 1 to 3, a tilt-up door 10 can be seen pivotally mountedon a building 20 having a door opening 19 and a roof 21. The tilt-updoor 10 can have a passage door 15 to permit individuals to enter thebuilding 20 without opening tilt-up door 10. Tilt-up door 10 can includea truss 12 that can be mounted on the outside 11 of tilt-up door 10above passage door 15. Tilt-up door 10 can have a frame 16 that caninclude horizontal members 17 and vertical members 18 that can be squareor rectangular box members that can be fastened together into a frame 16as is well known in the art. Truss 12 can be sized to provide thedesired support for tilt-up door 10 to prevent sagging in the openposition shown in FIG. 3 and to support the door for loads such as canbe presented by rain, snow and wind conditions. Truss 12 can be attachedto tilt-up door 10 with suitable mounting brackets 14 that can beattached to vertical members 18 of door frame 16 and can receivemounting bolts, not shown, to connect truss 12 to tilt-up door 10. Truss12 can be mounted on tilt-up door 10 in a position where truss 12 willnot interfere with building 20 when the tilt-up door 10 is in the openposition as shown in FIG. 3. An advantage of mounting truss 12 generallyin the vertical center portion of the door is that truss 12 is spacedabove the floor and surface in front of building 20 and above a passagedoor 15 when a passage door is desired. In addition, truss 12 can belocated near the pivot point for tilt-up door 10 as described below.Tilt-up door 10 can have door panels 13 attached to horizontal members17 and additional vertical members 18 for frame 16. As desired doorpanels 13 can be selected to match panels used to enclose building 20.Door panels 13 can be typical door panels and can be insulated panels ifdesired as are well known. Truss 12 can be mounted to tilt-up door 10after door panels 13 are attached to frame 16 to avoid inserting doorpanels 13 between truss 12 and frame 16.

Tilt-up door 10 according to the invention will be illustrated incombination with a steel frame aircraft hanger building although, asmentioned above, a tilt-up door according to the invention can beinstalled on other types of storage buildings including, but not limitedto, wood frame pole barns, masonry buildings and open web trussbuildings as desired. Building 20 can have a plurality of I-beams orcolumns 22 that can collectively form the framework 28 for building 20and support roof 21. In the event the building framework 28 does notinclude I-beams a U-shaped channel that can be similar to U-shapedchannel 32 can be employed adjacent the door opening. Building 20 canhave walls 25 as desired to enclose building 20. Roof trusses 23, seeFIG. 10, can be provided to support roof 21 as are well known. WhileI-beam trusses are shown in the drawings other roof support systems canbe used as desired.

As mentioned above, a tilt-up door 10 according to the invention can bepivotally mounted to building 20. Turning to FIG. 4, an I-beam 22forming part of the building framework 28 at one side of door opening 19can be seen. While the invention will be described employing an I-beam22 those skilled in the will appreciate that other support columns canbe used and can be provided with a U-shaped channel in lieu of an I-beam22. A similar I-beam 22 or U-shaped channel can be provided on the otherside of door opening 19 and the following description applies to anI-beam 22 and the pivotal mounting structure for tilt-up door 10 on bothsides of door opening 19. I-beam 22 can be attached to floor 24 with aplurality of mounting bolts 26, or other suitable well known fasteners,and can be connected to the building framework 28 at the top of I-beam22, not visible, as is well know. I-beam 22 can include a web 30 and apair of flanges 31 that can form generally U-shaped channel 32. When atilt-up door according to the invention is used with building structuresthat do not include I-beams, as discussed above, a U-shaped channel, notshown, can be mounted to the building support structure on each side ofdoor opening 19 to provide a channel that can be similar to channel 32shown in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment the actuator 39 for the tilt-up door 10 can be singleacting hydraulic cylinders 40 that can be mounted in channel 32 on eachside of door opening 19 to a support plate 42 that can be supported byweb 30 and flanges 31. A double acting hydraulic cylinder can be usedinstead of a single acting hydraulic cylinder. When I-beam 22 is a steelbeam, support plate 42 can be welded to web 30 and flanges 31. Thehydraulic cylinders 40 can be secured in channels 32 with a bracket orclamp 44 that can be attached to I-beam 22 spaced from support plate 42to secure hydraulic cylinder 40 in place. In FIG. 4 tilt-up door 10 isin the open position and piston 41 of hydraulic cylinder 40 is extended.The distal end 45 of piston 41 can be connected to a carriage or pushblock 60 that can be pivotally connected to door frame 16 as will bedescribed below.

Turning to FIGS. 5, 8 and 13, one embodiment of a pivotal mountingarrangement for pivotally mounting tilt-up door 10 to the building 20will be described. As noted above, the mounting structure of tilt-updoor 10 can be the same on both sides of the tilt-up door 10 and dooropening 19. Accordingly, while the tilt-up door 10 pivotal mountingarrangement on one side of tilt-up door 10 will be described in detailthose skilled in the art should understand the following descriptionapplies to both sides of tilt-up door 10 and door opening 19 in building20. In FIG. 5 carriage 60 can be seen in channel 32 with tilt-up door 10in the partially open position. Referring to FIGS. 5, 8, and 13,carriage 60 can be formed by connecting plates 62 and 64 in spacedrelationship with end plates 66 and 68. A horizontally extending pivotshaft journal 70 can be attached to carriage 60 by plates 62 and 64.Plates 62 and 64 can have an opening to receive pivot shaft journal 70and pivot shaft journal 70 can be welded to plates 62 and 64 and endplates 66 and 68 can be welded to plates 62 and 64 to form carriage 60.Reinforcing plates 72 can be welded to pivot shaft journal 70 and endplates 66 and 68 to further support pivot shaft journal 70 relative toplates 62 and 64. Pivot shaft journal 70 can be a hollow cylinder toreceive pivot shaft 71, see FIG. 13, to pivotally connect tilt-up door10 to carriage 60. For example, pivot shaft 71 can be a 1″ diametersolid rod. Those skilled in the art will understand that the diameter ofpivot shaft 71 and the pivot shaft journal 70 can be smaller or largerdepending on the size and weight of the tilt-up door 10. Likewise thoseskilled in the art will understand that carriage 60 can be formed inother ways to support a pivot shaft journal if desired. In addition,pivot shaft 71 can have a threaded hole 85 adjacent one end tofacilitate removal of pivot shaft 71 if desired following installation.The end of pivot shaft journal 70 at plate 62 can have a plug, notshown, welded in pivot shaft journal 70 to close the end of pivot shaftjournal 70 at the outer surface 63 of plate 62.

Vertical members 18 on both sides of door frame 16 can have ahorizontally extending pivot shaft tube 78 that can be connected tovertical member 18 to rotatably support pivot shaft 71, see FIG. 13, topivotally connect door 10 to carriage 60. Pivot shaft tube 78 can bewelded in an opening in vertical member 18 at a desired location thatcan be generally in the vertical center portion of tilt-up door 10. Thevertical position of pivot shaft tube 78 can be determined by thevertical height of door 10 and whether tilt-up door 10 includes apassage door 15 as illustrated in FIG. 1. When a passage door 15 isincluded in tilt-up door 10 pivot shaft tube 78 can be located above thetop of passage door 15 in order to allow truss 12 to be locatedgenerally adjacent the pivot point of tilt-up door 10. Typically pivotshaft tube 78 can be located at least one quarter of the vertical heightabove the bottom edge 37 of the tilt-up door 10 and less than threequarters of the vertical height above the bottom edge of the tilt-updoor 10. The location of pivot shaft tube 78, and accordingly the pivotpoint of tilt-up door 10 can be determined by the overall height oftilt-up door 10, whether a passage door 15 will be included and how muchof tilt-up door 10 should extend from the face of the building 20 whenthe tilt-up door is in the open position which can determine thelocation of truss 12. It can be advantageous to locate the pivot pointof tilt-up door 10 generally in the vertical center portion of the door,but, as noted above, the pivot point can be located as desired in thevertical center portion of the tilt-up door 10 to accommodate a passagedoor 15 and to allow vertical location of truss 12 generally adjacent tothe pivot shaft tube 78. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 thepivot shaft tube 78 can be located approximately ⅔ of the distance upfrom the bottom 37 of tilt-up door 10 to the top of tilt-up door 10.

Pivot shaft tube 78 can have a shaft tube closure 80 that can be mountedto a mounting ring 79 attached to the end of pivot shaft tube 78. Shafttube closure 80 can be mounted to mounting ring 79 using suitablefasteners 83. Shaft tube closure 80 can have an adjusting bolt nut 81attached to the external surface of shaft tube closure 80. An adjustingbolt 82 can be threaded into adjusting bolt nut 81 to bear against theend of pivot shaft 71 in shaft tube 78 to position door frame 16relative to carriage 60 and accordingly I-beams 22 and building 20. Byadjusting the adjusting bolts 82 on the opposite sides of tilt-up door10 the tilt-up door 10 can be positioned side to side as desired in dooropening 19 by adjusting the adjusting bolts 82. Adjusting bolts 82 canhave a square or hex head 82′ or can have a recessed socket to receive atool to facilitate rotation of the respective adjusting bolts 82 on theopposite sides of tilt-up door 10 to position the tilt-up door 10 asdesired. A lock nut 84 can be secured to each adjusting bolt 82 afterthe tilt-up door 10 is satisfactorily positioned in door opening 19 tolock adjusting bolts 82 in position. In order to adjust, or re-adjust,the side to side position of tilt-up door 10 in door opening 19 locknuts 84 can be loosened and adjusting bolts 82 rotated to position thetilt-up door 10 in door opening 19 as desired and then lock nuts 84 canbe retightened to secure the adjusting bolts 82 in the desired position.To remove pivot shaft 71, tilt-up door 10 can be partially opened toprovide access to shaft tube cover 80 and tilt-up door 10 can besupported at the bottom edge 37 to remove weight from pivot shaft 71.Shaft tube cover 80 can be removed and a shaft puller can be threadedinto threaded hole 85 to pull pivot shaft 71 from the pivot shaft tube78. Pivot shaft 71 can be replaced and adjusted and the shaft tube covercan be replaced to complete any service of the pivot shaft and/ortilt-up door. Pivot shaft 71 can allow pivot shaft tube 78 to rotaterelative to pivot shaft journal 70 as tilt-up door 10 is moved from theclosed to the open position or from an open position to the closedposition. Grease fittings 73 can be provided for pivot shaft journal 70and pivot shaft tube 78 as shown on FIGS. 5, 8 and 13. Applicant hasfound that sleeve or other bearings are not required for pivot shaft 71in pivot shaft journal 70 or pivot shaft tube 78 since the amount ofrelative rotation of pivot shaft 71 in pivot shaft journal 70 and pivotshaft tube 78 is relatively small in a door opening or closing cycle. Ifdesired, suitable sleeve bearings could be used in addition to orinstead of grease fittings to facilitate rotation of pivot shaft tube 78relative to pivot shaft journal 70 on pivot shaft 71 as the tilt-up door10 is opened and closed.

Carriage 60 end plate 68 can have a piston connector 74 attached to theouter surface 69 of end plate 68. Piston connector 74 can be arranged toreceive the distal end 45 of piston 41 and a connector bolt 77, seeFIGS. 8 and 8A. Distal end 45 can have a connector hole 46 boredtransversely through the distal end 45. Connector 74 can have aconnector bolt hole 75 on one side of connector 74 and tapped threads 76on the opposite side of connector 74 to receive connector bolt 77 tosecure carriage 60 to distal end 45 of piston 41. In the embodimentdisclosed in FIGS. 4-8A a threaded connector bolt 77 is shown to securecarriage 60 to piston 41. Those skilled in the art will understand thatother known fasteners such as a pin or a set screw or other fastener canbe used to secure carriage 60 to the distal end 45 of piston 41 asdesired.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, carriage 60 can have a plurality ofwheels that can facilitate movement of carriage 60 in channel 32 astilt-up door 10 is opened and closed. Carriage 60 can have an exteriorside 60′, namely the side of carriage 60 that faces the outside ofbuilding 20 when carriage 60 is positioned in channel 32, and aninterior side 60″ that faces the interior of building 20. As tilt-updoor 10 is opened by operating an actuator 39 such as hydraulic cylinder40, carriage 60 is pushed upward in channel 32 by piston 41 pushing doorframe 16 and, accordingly, tilt-up door 10 upward. Carriage 60 can havea pair of bearing wheels 86 rotatably mounted between plates 62 and 64on bearing wheel shafts 87. As carriage 60 is pushed upward by hydrauliccylinder 40, carriage 60 is forced toward the exterior of building 20due to the load of tilt-up door 10. Bearing wheels 86 can be steelbearings that can withstand the load of tilt-up door 10 therebyfacilitating the movement of carriage 60 in channel 32. While steelbearing wheels can be used as illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS.4-8, those skilled in the art will understand that other wheels designedto support the anticipated load of a tilt-up door 10 can be used.Carriage 60 can also have a pair of idler wheels 88 rotatably mountedbetween plates 62 and 64 on the interior side 60″ of carriage 60 onidler wheel shafts 89. Bearing wheel shafts 87 and idler wheel shafts 89can be attached to carriage 60 utilizing cotter keys 92 as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 or other well know shaft retainers as desired. Idlerwheels 88 can be urethane wheels since, normally, idler wheels 88 arenot in contact with flange 31 on the inside of building 20. Idler wheels88 can help assure that carriage 60 remains generally centered inchannel 32 during opening or closing of tilt-up door 10. Carriage 60 canalso have a low friction pad 90 positioned on the outer surface 63 ofplate 62 to facilitate movement of carriage 60 along web 30 in channel32 as tilt-up door 10 is opened and closed. Low friction pad 90 can be awell known plastic resin material such as nylon or Delrin®. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that other low friction materials canbe used for low friction pad 90. A low friction pad such as low frictionpad 90 can be attached to plate 62 with a plurality of countersunk flathead machine screws 91 that can be threaded into tapped holes in plate62. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of screwsrequired to secure low friction pad 90 to plate 62 depends on the sizeof low friction pad 90. Typically 4 to 6 screws 91 can be used to securelow friction pad 90 to plate 62.

In addition to the pivotal mounting of tilt-up door 10 to building 20described above, the tilt-up door mounting arrangement can include atrack 50 that can be attached to I-beam 22 adjacent the top end ofI-beam 22 on each side of door opening 19. Referring to FIGS. 1 and9-11, the first end 48 of track 50 can be connected to I-beam 22 androof truss 23 adjacent the top of I-beam 22. Track 50 can be a C-sectionsteel beam having a bottom flange 51 and a top flange 52 in addition toa mounting flange 53 to facilitate attachment of track 50 to I-beam 22.Top flange 52 can be attached to roof truss 23 to connect track 50 tothe building structure. While the building 20 illustrated in thedrawings includes roof trusses 23, those skilled in the art willunderstand that other building trusses can be used to secure track 50 inplace at the top of I-beam 22. In addition, as described below inconnection with FIG. 12, a tilt-up door according to the invention canbe used in combination with buildings that to not have trusses or othersupports positioned above track 50. The length of track 50 can bedetermined based on the overall height of tilt-up door 10 and the pivotpoint that determine how far tilt-up door 10 will extend into building20 when tilt-up door 10 is in the open position as shown in FIG. 3.Those with ordinary skill in the art will understand that track 50 canbe a beam having a configuration other than a C-section as desired.

Track 50 can include a cam surface 55. Door frame 16 can have ahorizontally extending cam follower 95 positioned adjacent to top edge36 of tilt-up door 10. Cam follower 95 can include a mounting bracket 96that can be connected to vertical member 18 of door frame 16 adjacent tothe top horizontal member 17. Mounting bracket 96 can be welded tovertical member 18 and can be arranged to support flange bearings 98 onopposite faces 97 of mounting bracket 96. Flange bearings 98 can besecured to mounting bracket 96 with fasteners 99 and can include greasefittings 73. Cam follower 95 can further include a cam follower shaft102 that can be rotatably supported by flange bearings 98 on oppositesides of mounting bracket 96 and shaft 102 can extend outwardly fromdoor frame 16 to rotatably support cam follower wheel 104. Cam followerwheel 104 can be an enlarged end of shaft 102 and can have a relativelyhard urethane surface formed on the enlarged end of shaft 102. As can beseen best in FIG. 11 cam follower wheel 104 can engage cam surface 55 astilt-up door 10 moves from the closed position, shown in FIG. 10, to theopen position shown in FIG. 11. When the pivot point of tilt-up door 10is above the vertical center of tilt-up door 10, cam follower wheel 104can be biased into contact with cam surface 55 by the unbalanced weightof tilt-up door 10 with respect to the pivot point about pivot shaft 71.Accordingly, as an actuator 39 such as hydraulic cylinders 40 areoperated, carriages 60 are forced upward by pistons 41 thus pushingtilt-up door 10 upward as pivot shaft tubes 78 attached to door frame 16are forced upward. As door frame 16 moves upward the top edge 36 oftilt-up door 10 rotates inward as cam follower wheels 104 roll along camsurfaces 55. As tilt-up door 10 moves upward, tilt-up door 10 rotatesapproximately 90° as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, tilt-up door 10 has amoving pivot point, pivot shaft 71 in pivot shaft tubes 78, moving alonga substantially straight line (carriages 60 and pivot shaft journals 70move in substantially vertical channels 32), about which tilt-up door 10rotates as it is moved upward. Cams 55 can be arranged to rotate tilt-updoor 10 from the vertical position in FIG. 1 to a generally horizontalposition as shown in FIG. 3 as hydraulic cylinders 40 lift tilt-up door10 from the closed position in FIG. 1 to the open position in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 10, as tilt-up door 10 approaches the closed positioncam surface 55 becomes substantially vertical adjacent the first end 48of track 50 so that tilt-up door 10 initially moves generally verticallyfor the first few inches from closed position as tilt-up door 10 opensand moves generally vertically over the last few inches to the closedposition as tilt-up door 10 closes. An advantage of generally verticalmovement from and to the closed position is that material lying againstthe outside surface of tilt-up door 10 such as snow or ice does not needto be moved by the door opening mechanism as tilt-up door 10 initiallyrises vertically. An additional advantage of vertical movement at thebeginning of an opening cycle and the end of a closing cycle is that amechanical latch arrangement can be employed to secure the bottom edge37 of tilt-up door 10 in the closed position. One mechanical latcharrangement can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 and can include hooks 34 thatcan be attached to vertical members 18 on the outside edges of doorframe 16 spaced above the bottom edge 37 extending inward from doorframe 16. Tabs 35 can be attached to I-beams 22 on opposite sides ofdoor opening 19 extending into door opening 19 and positioned to beengaged by hooks 34 as tilt-up door 10 moves to the closed positionshown in FIG. 1. Hooks 34 and tabs 35 can be dimensioned and positionedso that hooks 34 engage/disengage tabs 35 as tilt-up door 10 movesgenerally vertically to the closed position/from the closed positionedas described above. In addition, tabs 35 can prevent over swing oftilt-up door 10 past the closed position during closing and provide asecure stop for tilt-up door 10 in the event of wind pressure and thelike. Referring to FIG. 3A, extended tabs 35′ can be provided to extendalong I-beam 22 from adjacent the floor 24 to a position adjacent thetop of hydraulic cylinder 40 to provide an extended door stop and toprovide an improved door seal. An improved door seal arrangement can bedesirable for applications in climates where climate control of theinterior of building 20 may be desired. Extended tabs 35′ can have aslot 38 to allow hook 34 to engage tab 35′ as described above.

Referring again to FIGS. 10 and 11, track 50 can include additional camsurfaces that can restrain cam follower wheel 104 as tilt-up door 10approaches the open position adjacent the second end 49 of track 50,FIG. 11, and the closed position adjacent the first end 48 of track 50,FIG. 10. A closed cam follower surface 56 can be provided on track 50beneath cam surface 55 that can prevent cam follower wheel from movingout of contact with cam surface 55 allowing tilt-up door 10 to lift androtate cam follower wheel 104 out of contact with cam surface 55 such asmight occur in a high wind condition before tilt-up door 10 is openenough to provide sufficient cantilever load to hold cam follower wheel104 in contact with cam surface 55. An open cam follower surface 57 canbe provided to engage cam follower wheel 104 as tilt-up door 10approaches the open position adjacent the second end 49 of track 50,FIGS. 3 and 11. By engaging cam follower wheel 104, open cam surface 57can help prevent tilt-up door 10 from bouncing up and down whensubstantially open as might otherwise occur in high wind conditions.Alternately as illustrated in FIG. 10A, track 50 can have secondary camsurface 58 positioned below and generally parallel to cam surface 55 toassure that cam follower wheel 104 remains generally in contact with camsurface 55 or secondary cam surface 58 as cam follower wheel 104 movesfrom the first end 48 to the second end 49 of track 50. A secondary camsurface 58 can be used when the pivot point of tilt-up door 10 is nearor below the vertical mid-point of tilt-up door to preclude the camfollower wheel 104 from dropping out of contact with cam surface 57 dueto a nearly balanced tilt-up door 10 about the pivot point or unbalancedweight of tilt-up door 10 above the pivot point. Secondary cam surface58 can be vertically spaced from cam surface 55 sufficiently to allowcam follower wheel 104 roll freely along cam surface 55 and or secondarycam surface 58. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10A, camsurface 55 and secondary cam surface 58 can form a track or channel forcam follower wheel 104 that can prevent the cam follower wheel 104 fromlosing contact with the cam surface 55 and/or secondary cam surface 58regardless of the vertical location of the pivot point of tilt-up door10 or adverse weather conditions.

As noted above, a tilt-up door according to the invention can be used incombination with storage buildings that do not have a building trussspanning the building adjacent to top of the door opening. Turning toFIG. 12, an alternate I-beam and track arrangement can be seen inschematic form. Building 120 can have a roof 121 supported by rooftrusses 123 that do not extend horizontally at the top of door opening119. I-beam 122 can be similar to I-beam 22 in the embodiment of FIGS.1-11 and 13 and can include a hydraulic cylinder and carriage mechanismas described above but not shown in FIG. 12. I-beam 122 can have asupport plate 152 that can be similar to support plate 42 as illustratedin FIG. 4 and can support an actuator 39 or a hydraulic cylinder, notshown in FIG. 12 that can be similar to hydraulic cylinder 40 asillustrated in FIG. 4. Track 150 can be attached to I-beam 122 asdescribed above in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 and 13. In absence of abuilding truss or beam to secure track 150 to, as in the embodimentdescribed above, a support tube 125 can be provided to support the end151 of track 150 opposite I-beam 122. Support tube 125 can be a squareor rectangular tube, or could be an I-beam as desired, and can beattached to the floor 124 with mounting bolts 126 or other fasteners ina manner similar to I-beam 22. As above, an I-beam 122, track 150 andsupport tube 125 can be provided on each side of door opening 119. Inaddition, a spreader 127 can be provided to connect support tubes 125 onopposite sides of door opening 119 to prevent tracks 150 from movinghorizontally apart in operation since tracks 150 are not attached to thebuilding structure adjacent to the inner end 151 as in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-11 and 13 described above. The alternate I-beam and trackarrangement described above can also be used with the alternate pivotalmounting arrangements and operating mechanisms described below.

Turning to FIGS. 4 and 14 a hydraulic circuit 132 for supplyinghydraulic cylinders 40 when the tilt-up door actuator 39 consists of oneor more hydraulic cylinders will be described. A control panel 130 canbe provided to support controls and hydraulic circuit components. Whilecontrol panel 130 is shown adjacent door opening 19 in FIG. 4 thoseskilled in the art will understand control panel can be located at otherpositions in building 20 or mounted to columns or I-beams as desired. Apump and motor 135 can be mounted on control panel 130 adjacent a spoolvalve 137 and a hydraulic fluid tank 139. Hydraulic fluid tank 139 canbe sized to hold sufficient hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic circuit132 and to allow for expansion of the hydraulic fluid under warm weathertemperature conditions without overflowing. As illustrated in FIG. 4,tank 139 can include a vent 148 to the atmosphere. While pump and motor135, spool valve 137 and relief valve 141 are illustrated as a single orcombined component those skilled in the art will understand that aseparate pump and motor, spool valve and relief valve can be employed ifdesired. Supply lines 142 can connect the “A” side of spool valve 137 tothe supply port 143 of a holding valve 140 adjacent to each hydrauliccylinder 40. In the FIGS. 16 and 17A embodiments a single linearactuator 39 can be a hydraulic cylinder that can be connected in ahydraulic circuit that can be similar to the hydraulic circuitillustrated in FIG. 14 but having a single hydraulic cylinder. In theFIGS. 16 and 17A embodiments a suitable control panel, not shown, can besimilar to control panel 130 and can be located in a suitable locationin building 20. In the case of the FIG. 17A embodiment a control panelthat can be similar to control panel 130 but not shown in FIG. 17A, canbe located adjacent I-beam 206 if desired to minimize the length of thehydraulic lines required to connect the hydraulic cylinder to thecontrol panel. In the embodiments described in connection with FIGS.1-11, 14, 16 and 17A, holding valves 140 can be a well known holdingvalve such as a Gresen Holding Valve model MHB-015-LEAE-51E-00. Whileholding valves 140 and hydraulic cylinders 40 are illustrated asseparate components, those skilled in the art will understand that asuitable holding valve can be incorporated in the hydraulic cylinderwithin the scope of the invention. Supply lines 142 can be arranged tosupply the hydraulic cylinders 40 from a center point, when more thanone hydraulic cylinder is employed, so that length of the supply lines142 from spool valve 137 to supply ports 143 of holding valves 140 tohydraulic cylinder 40 for each of the hydraulic cylinders 40 can beequal. Supply lines 142 can be ½″ steel lines. Release lines 144 canconnect the “B” side of spool valve 137 through “B” port relief valve141 to the release port 145 of holding valves 140. Release lines 144 canbe ⅜″ steel lines. Whenever hydraulic cylinders 40 are partially orfully extended by operation of pump and motor 135 and actuation of spoolvalve 137, holding valves 140 prevent reverse flow from hydrauliccylinders 40 and thereby prevent pistons 141 from retracting regardlessof whether pump and motor 135 are operating, or even if one or more ofsupply lines 142 is opened or damaged leading to loss of hydraulic fluidfrom the supply lines 142.

In order to retract pistons 141 and lower tilt-up door 10, pump andmotor 135 can be restarted and spool valve 137 can be moved to the “B”position to pressurize release ports 145 on holding valves 140 to allowreverse flow of hydraulic fluid from hydraulic cylinders 40 back to tank139 and thereby allow pistons 141 to retract into hydraulic cylinders40. “B” port relief valve 141 can be provided to reduce the fluidpressure in the release lines 144 from the supply lines 142 pressuresince the pressure applied to release ports 145 can determine thereverse flow rate through holding valves 140, and thus can determine theclosure rate for tilt-up door 10. For example, the pressure in supplylines 142 applied to the hydraulic cylinders 40 can be in the range of1,200 to 1,500 psi, the pressure applied to release ports 145 can be onthe order of 500-800 psi. Those skilled in the art will understand thatthe supply lines pressure and release lines pressure can be higher orlower than the pressures mentioned above as an example depending on theapplication and components used in the hydraulic circuit. “B” portrelief valve 141 can be adjustable to allow the user to select and setthe pressure in the release lines that can be applied to release ports145. “B” port relief valve 141 can have an adjustment screw 147 that canhave a jam nut to secure adjustment screw 147 when the release linepressure has been adjusted to provide the desired descent rate fortilt-up door 10. Since release lines 144 supply pressure to releaseports 145 without flow of hydraulic fluid through release lines 144 thelength of release lines 144 to release ports 145 of holding valves 140do not need to be equal as can be the case of supply lines 142. While amanually controlled spool valve is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 14, thoseskilled in the art will understand that electrically or electronicallycontrolled spool valves can be used to control operation of hydrauliccylinders 40 if desired. An electrical circuit breaker box 146 can bemounted on control panel 130 if desired to provide power to pump motor135 and any other electrical components mounted on or powered throughcontrol panel 130. The embodiments illustrated in FIG. 16 when thelinear actuator 39 is a hydraulic cylinder and FIG. 17A can similarly beprovided with controls for the hydraulic circuit. When the linearactuator is other than a hydraulic cylinder a control panel similar tocontrol panel 130 can be provided for the control devices for the linearactuator.

In FIGS. 8B-8E and 16-18 other embodiments of pivotal mountingarrangements and operating mechanisms for a tilt-up door 10 for abuilding 20 are illustrated. Turning to FIGS. 8B-8E and 16-18, tilt-updoor 10 can be pivotally mounted to a building 20 as described abovewith FIGS. 1-3 and 9-11. However, in the alternate embodiments of FIGS.8B-8E and 16-18, carriages 160 can be operated by a single actuator 39via cables 168 instead of hydraulic cylinders 40 as illustrated in FIG.3. Carriage 160 can be similar to carriage or push block 60 shown inFIGS. 8 and 8A except that piston connector 74 on end plate 68 (FIGS. 8and 8A) can be replaced by cable bracket. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8Band 8C carriage 160 can have a cable bracket 162 on opposite end plate66. Cable bracket 162 can have an opening, not visible, to receiveclevis pin 166 to attach clevis 164 to cable bracket 162. The remainingelements of carriage 160 can be the same as the corresponding elementsof carriage or push block 60 and are identified with the same referencenumeral as in FIGS. 8 and 8A and will not be described again. A steelcable 168 can be connected to carriage 160 with a clevis 164 connectingloop 170 in cable 168 to cable bracket 162 with a clevis pin 166. Whileloop 170 is shown without a thimble clip those skilled in the art willunderstand that a thimble clip can be used in forming loop 170 ifdesired to strengthen and extend the working life of loop 170. Loop 170as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C can be formed with a loop crimp 172. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that instead of a loop crimp 172 aloop sleeve or rope clip can be used to form loop 170 if desired.Referring to FIGS. 8D and 8E alternate arrangements to connect cable 168to a carriage 160 can be seen. FIGS. 8D and 8E are partial views of acarriage 160 that can be similar to carriage 60 as shown in FIG. 8Bexcept for an alternate cable bracket and cable connecting mechanism.Other than the differing cable connection arrangements the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 8D and 8E carriage 160 can be similar to carriage160 illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 8C. In the embodiment of FIG. 8D, agenerally U-shaped cable bracket 163 can be connected to end plate 66and can include an hole 161 to allow cable 168 to pass through cablebracket 163 so that cable termination 167 can secure cable 168 tocarriage 160. Cable termination 167 can be any well known wire ropetermination and can be crimped or otherwise affixed to cable 168. Cablebracket 163 can be welded to end plate 66 as illustrated, or alternatelycan be provided with flanges and attached to end plate 66 with suitablefasteners as is well known in the art. In the embodiment of FIG. 8E, apair of spaced cable brackets 165 can be connected to end plate 66 ofcarriage 160 that can be similar to cable bracket 162 and can have ahole 159 arranged to receive pin 169. Cable 168 can have a connector 173affixed to the end of cable 168. Connector 173, like cable brackets 165can have a hole 178 to receive pin 169 to attach cable 168 to carriage160. Wire rope cable connectors 173 are well known in the art, as aremethods of attaching such connectors to wire rope cables. Thus,carriages 160 in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8B-8E can belifted by cable as illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 15-18.

Turning to FIGS. 15 and 16, a portion of an I-beam 156 that can besimilar to I-beam 22 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 and 13 can be seenlooking in through door opening 19 in building 20 having a tilt-up door10 as described above, but not shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 16A. As in theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 and 13, an I-beam 156 can beprovided on both sides of door opening 19 and can have flanges 31forming a channel 32 as described above. Portions of flange 31 in FIG.15 are cut away to show carriage 160 in channel 32 and pulley 174.I-beam 156 can be part of a building framework 28 and can be an I-beamor other structure forming a U-shaped channel 32 all as described abovein connection with FIGS. 1-11 and 13. In the embodiment of FIGS. 15, 16and 16A, I-beams 156 can extend above track 50 and can support a pulley174 on shaft 175. Pulley shaft 175 can be supported by I-beam 156 or canbe supported by a bracket mounted to I-beam 156 as will be obvious toone having ordinary skill in the art. Pulley 174 can be positioned abovetrack 50 so that cable 168 will not interfere with the top edge 36 oftilt-up door 10, not shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 16A, as tilt-up door 10is opened and closed as described above. A building truss 180 isillustrated spanning I-beams 156 in FIGS. 16 and 16A although thebuilding structure or roof trusses, not shown, may include differentelements to support the upper ends of I-beams 156, or the alternatearrangement described above in conjunction with FIG. 12 can be used.

Turning to FIGS. 16 and 16A embodiments of an actuator 39 for thealternate embodiment operating mechanisms will be described. Asillustrated in FIG. 16, cables 168 can pass over pulleys 174 associatedwith I-beams 156 toward the center of door opening 19. A building truss182 can be provided extending into the building from door opening 19adjacent and above door opening 19 and can provide support for anactuator 39. In the embodiment of FIG. 16 the actuator 39 can be alinear actuator 190 that can have a fixed portion 192 that can beconnected to building truss 182 and can have a movable portion 194.Movable portion 194 can have a cable connector 196. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 16 linear actuator 190 can be a hydraulic cylinder192 having a piston 194. Cables 168 can pass over pulleys 176 and can beconnected to cable connector 196 in a manner similar to the cableconnection to carriage 160 as shown in FIGS. 8B-8E, or other well knowncable connections. Cables 168 can include a turnbuckle, not shown, topermit ready adjustment of the length of cables 168 for the tilt-up door10 so that the carriages 160 supporting opposite sides of tilt-up door10 move together when linear actuator 190 is activated. Linear actuator190 can be a hydraulic cylinder as shown or can be a rack and pinion, apower screw, ball screw linear actuator or other well known linearactuator that can have a suitable electric motor to operate the linearactuator, as is well known in the art, to draw cables 168 upward to liftor lower carriages 160 to move tilt-up door 10. While linear actuator190 is illustrated in FIG. 16 having fixed end 192 positioned away fromthe door opening 19 so that the movable portion 194 is extended whentilt-up door 10 is closed, those skilled in the art will understandthat, if desired, linear actuator 190 can be repositioned in theopposite direction so that movable portion is extended to open tilt-updoor 10 rather than be retracted. In the event linear actuator isrepositioned in the opposite direction the connection for cables 168 canbe arranged to space cables 168 from linear actuator 190 so the cables168 can pass along side linear actuator 190. A suitable control circuit,not shown, can be provided to operate the linear actuator can beprovided on a control panel that can be similar to control panel 130 asdescribed in conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 and 13. Ahydraulic cylinder linear actuator can have a hydraulic circuit 132 andcontrol similar to that illustrated in FIG. 14, again as is well knownin the art. An electrically operated linear actuator can be providedwith an electric release brake to prevent tilt-up door 10 from closingin the event of interruption of electric power to the control circuitsimilar to the operation of the holding valves 140 in the hydraulicallyoperated embodiments.

In the actuator 39 embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16A a winch 200 can bemounted on a building truss 184 that can be connected to the frameworkof building 20. Building truss 184 can be positioned above and adjacentdoor opening 19 in a position where it will not interfere with tilt-updoor 10, not shown in FIG. 16A, as tilt-up door 10 is opened and closedas described above. Winch 200 can have a cable drum 202 and an electricmotor 204. Cables 168 can be attached to opposite ends of cable drum 202so that as cable drum 202 is rotated by electric motor 204 cables 168are wound on cable drum 202 thus lifting carriages 160, and accordinglytilt-up door 10, or unwound from cable drum 202 thus lowering carriages160, and accordingly tilt-up door 10. Winch motor 204 can have a controlcircuit, not shown, that can allow an operator to activate winch motor204 to open or close tilt-up door 10. Winch 200 can be provided with asuitable electric release brake to prevent the tilt-up door 10 frominadvertently closing in the event of loss of electric power to thecontrol circuit, not shown, or to the winch 200. Alternately, winch 200can be a hydraulic winch as are well known in the art and can be poweredby a hydraulic circuit and control that can be similar to hydrauliccircuit 132 illustrated in FIG. 14.

Turning to FIGS. 17A and 17B another cable operated embodiment can beseen. A portion of an I-beam 206 that can be similar to I-beam 22 in theembodiment of FIGS. 1-11 and 13 can be seen looking in through dooropening 19 in building 20 having a tilt-up door 10 as described above,but not shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. As with I-beam 22 in the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1-11 and 13, an I-beam 206 can be provided onopposite sides of door opening 19 and can have a web 30 and flanges 31forming a channel 32 as described above. Portions of flange 31 in FIG.17A are cut away to show carriage 160 in channel 32. I-beam 206 can bepart of a building framework 28 and can be an I-beam or other structureforming a U-shaped channel 32 all as described above in connection withFIGS. 1-11 and 13. In the embodiment of FIGS. 17A and 17B, I-beams 206can extend above track 50 and can support pulleys 174 on shafts 175.Pulley shafts 175 can be supported by I-beam 206 or can be supported bya bracket mounted to I-beam 206 as will be obvious to one havingordinary skill in the art. Pulleys 174 can be positioned above track 50to avoid cables 168 interfering with the top edge 36 of tilt-up door 10,not shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, as tilt-up door 10 is opened and closedas described above. The right hand I-beam 206 in FIG. 17A can include afirst cable 168 connected to carriage 160 movably carried in I-beam 206that passes over two pulleys 174 mounted at the top of column 206 anddown to linear actuator 190. The left hand I-beam 206′ can have a singlepulley 174 carried on shaft 175 at the top of I-beam 206 to carry acable 168 from the carriage 160, not shown in FIG. 17B, but similar tothat shown in FIG. 17A, movably carried in I-beam 206′ across dooropening 19 to I-beam 206. A building truss 180 is illustrated spanningI-beams 206 in FIG. 17B although the building structure or roof trusses,not shown, may include different elements to support the upper ends ofI-beams 206, or the alternate arrangement described above in conjunctionwith FIG. 12 can be used. The I-beam 206 (on the right hand side of FIG.17B) can include an actuator 190 that can be seen in the cut-out portionof I-beam 206. Linear actuator 190 can be a hydraulic cylinder or otherlinear actuator as described above in connection with FIG. 16 and can beprovided with a suitable control, again as described above in connectionwith FIG. 16. Fixed portion 192 of linear actuator 190 can be attachedto I-beam 206 similar to the mounting arrangement described above inconnection with FIG. 4. The distal end of movable portion 194 of linearactuator 190 can have a suitable cable bracket 196 to connect cables 168from I-beams 206 and 206′ to linear actuator 190.

Turning to FIG. 18 an alternate I-beam or U-shaped column can be seen inpartial schematic form. A portion of an I-beam 208 that can be similarto I-beam 22 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 and 13 can be seen lookingat door opening 19 in building 20 having a tilt-up door 10 as describedabove, but not shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. As with I-beam 22 in theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 and 13. An I-beam 208 can beprovided on opposite sides of door opening 19 and can have a web 30 andflanges 31 forming a generally U-shaped channel 32 as described above.The embodiment of FIG. 18 can employ a cable system and a block orpulley carried by movable carriage 160 that can be used to reduce theforce required to open a tilt-up door 10. Such an arrangement can beadvantageous in the case of large tilt-up doors by providing a two-timemechanical advantage to facilitate lifting the tilt-up door although theopening time can be increased depending on the speed of the actuator 39.While a two to one mechanical advantage arrangement is illustrated inFIG. 18, those skilled in the art will understand that a three to one orgreater mechanical advantage arrangement can be employed as desired.

As in the case of the embodiments described above, an I-beam 208 can belocated on both sides of door opening 19, not shown. Carriage 160 canhave a block bracket 214 connected to end plate 66 that can supportblock or pulley 212. I-beam 208 can have a cable anchor 210 adjacent thetop end of I-beam 208 and can be located so that anchor 210 is aboveblock 212 when tilt-up door 10, not shown in FIG. 18, is fully opened.The first end 211 of cable 168 can be secured to anchor 210 and can passover block 212 and then to pulley 174 mounted on shaft 175 adjacent totop of I-beam 208. Cables 168 from the opposite sides of the dooropening 19 can be connected at their second end 213 as illustrated in ofthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16A to an electric or hydraulic winch200 as desired.

To open tilt-up door 10 from the closed position to the open position anactuator 39 such as illustrated in FIGS. 16, 16A, 17A and 18 can beactivated by a control circuit as described above to draw cables 168away from door opening 19 thus causing cables 168 to lift carriages 160pivotally attached to opposite sides of tilt-up door 10 similar to theoperation of hydraulic cylinders 40 as described above in detail. Toclose the tilt-up door 10 actuator 39 can be activated to allow thecables 168 to extend toward the door opening 19 thus allowing cables 168to lower carriages 160 pivotally connected to opposite sides of tilt-updoor 10. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8B-8E, 15, 16, 16A, 17A, 17Band 18 a single actuator 39 can lift and lower carriages 160 by cables168 while in the embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, 5-7, 8 and 8A carriages orpush blocks 60 are pushed upward and lowered by an actuator 39comprising two hydraulic cylinders 40. Carriages 60 and 160 can operatein the channel formed by the respective I-beams or columns inconjunction with the cam surface(s) in tracks 50 in a similar manner tolift and tilt door 10 to the open position and return tilt-up door 10 tothe closed position.

Turning to FIGS. 19A-19D an alternate I-beam or U-shaped channel andalternate actuating mechanism can be seen. In the embodiment of FIGS.19A-19D a linear actuator 220 can be mounted in I-beam or U-shapedchannel 222 that can be similar to I-beam 22 described above. As in theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 and 13, an I-beam or U-shapedchannel member 222 can be provided on both sides of a door opening 19,not shown, and can have a web 230 and flanges 231 forming a generallyU-shaped channel 232. Portions of flanges 231 are cut away to showcarriage 160 and pulley block 242 in channels 232 and 232′. In theembodiment of FIGS. 19A-19D instead of a two to one or greatermechanical advantage as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 18, thealternate actuating mechanism can be a one to two mechanical advantagethat, while requiring generally two times the force to lift the door 10,provides carriage travel that is two times the travel of the linearactuator. A one to two mechanical advantage arrangement as illustratedin FIGS. 19A-19D can be desirable for use with tilt-up doors to reducethe required travel of the linear actuator. Turning to FIGS. 19A and19C, a linear actuator 220 can be positioned in channel 232′ on one sideof I-beam 222 adjacent the web 230 opposite the vertical channel 232facing door opening 19 and mounted on an actuator mounting bracket 234at one end and can include an actuator securing bracket 236 adjacent theupper end of linear actuator 220 similar to the hydraulic cylindermounting arrangement described above in connection with FIG. 4. Ananchor bracket 228 can be attached to I-beam 222 adjacent the top oflinear actuator 220 and can be arranged for connection of a first end252 of flexible link 240, that can be a flat chain or cable, to I-beam222 as is well known in the art. Mounting bracket 234 and actuatorsecuring bracket 236 can be connected to I-beam 222 as described abovein connection with FIG. 4. I-beam 222 can have a web 230 that caninclude a slot 224 extending from adjacent the top of linear actuator220 to adjacent track 50 that can be secured to I-beam 222 adjacent thetop of I-beam 222.

Turning to FIGS. 19A and 19B, U-shaped channel 232 of I-beam 222 facingthe door opening 19 can be seen with carriage 160 that can be similar tocarriage 160 illustrated in FIG. 8D and can include a cable bracket 163that can be arranged for connection of a second end 253 of flexible link240 to carriage 160 as is well known in the art. Carriage 160 can besimilar to carriage 160 described above and to carriage 60 describedabove except for flexible link connection apparatus and will not bedescribed in further detail. Turning to FIGS. 19A and 19D, a pulleyblock 242 can be slidably carried in slot 224 and can have a connector247 that can be connected to the distal end 245 of linear actuator 220similar to the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Pulley block242 can be a generally rectangular hollow box having sides 243 and ends244 dimensioned to be slidably carried in slot 242 and can have an axle246 mounted to sides 243 to rotatably carry a pulley 248 that can bearranged for use with a flexible link 240 as desired. Connector 247 canbe carried by the bottom end 244 as illustrated in FIG. 19D. Pulleyblocks 242 can also have a guide bar or flange 250 that can be attachedto pulley block 242 to the top end wall 244 or other desired part ofpulley block 242 and can be positioned to slide on one surface of web230. Guide bar 250 can have a low friction surface that can be similarto low friction surface or pad 90 on carriage 60. If desired a guide baror flange 250 can be provided for pulley block 242 to engage both sidesof web 230 as illustrated in FIG. 19A or on one side of web 230. Ifguide bars or flanges 250 are provided to engage both sides of web 230,one or both of the guide bars or flanges 250 can be removably mounted topulley block 242 to facilitate assembly and removal of pulley block 242to beam 222. Guide bar(s) 250 can help maintain pulley block 242 alignedin slot 244 as linear actuator 220 moves pulley block 242 up and down tolift and lower carriage 160 and accordingly door 10, not shown in FIGS.19A-19D. Thus, in operation linear actuators 220 carried by the I-beams222 on opposite sides of door 10, not shown, can be actuated to causethe linear actuators 220 to lift pulley blocks 242 in slots 224 inI-beams 222. As pulley blocks 242 are lifted in slots 224, carriages 160are lifted twice as far in channels 232 as the movement of linearactuator 220 by flexible links 240. Linear actuators 220 can behydraulic cylinders as illustrated in FIGS. 19A-19C connected to ahydraulic circuit similar to the hydraulic circuit illustrated in FIG.14, or can be other linear actuators as described above in connectionwith FIG. 16. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 19A-19D the linearactuators 220 can be connected to carriages 160 by a flexible link 240arranged to provide a one to two mechanical advantage that provides acarriage travel that is two times the linear actuator travel.

The invention should not be understood to be limited to the use ofhydraulic cylinders as illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4,5-7, 8, 8A and 19A-19D the linear actuators of the embodiments of FIGS.16, 17A and 18 or the winch embodiment of FIG. 16A, but can be used inconnection with any desired actuator 39 to move carriage or push blocks60 and 160 vertically in channels 32, 232 to move a tilt-up door 10 fromthe closed position of FIG. 1 to the open position of FIG. 3. Further, alinear actuator can be positioned at other locations adjacent dooropening including, but not limited to, a wall of building 20 if desired.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection withcertain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that thisis by way of illustration and not of limitation.

1. A tilt-up door system for a building having an opening comprising: adoor frame comprising a pair of vertically juxtaposed members defining avertical track and at least one first cam surface extending generallylaterally from the vertical track at an upper portion thereof, whereinthe at least one first cam surface has a first steep inclined segment, asecond inclined segment and a third descending segment; a door sized tospan the opening and pivotally coupled with at least one roller disposedwithin the vertical track, and at least one cam follower extendinglaterally from an upper portion of the door in register with the atleast one first cam surface; whereby when the door is placed inalignment with the opening, the at least one roller is disposed withinthe vertical track and the at least one cam follower is located adjacentto the at least one first cam surface, and an upwardly-directed motiveforce acts upon the door, the at least one cam follower comes intoabutment with the first steep inclined segment of the at least one firstcam surface which lifts the door generally vertically, then into thesecond inclined segment of the at least one first cam surface whichrotates the upper portion of the door inwardly, and then against thethird descending segment of the at least one first cam surface to bringthe door into an opened, raised position.
 2. The tilt-up door system ofclaim 1 further comprising a second cam surface, vertically spacedbeneath the first steep inclined segment, comprising a second initialramped segment, whereby the at least one cam follower can ride againstthe second initial ramped segment as the door enters and leaves alowered position to prevent the door from unintentionally opening priorto the door being opened to an extent such that a sufficient cantileverload of the door maintains contact of the at least one cam followeragainst the at least one first cam surface.
 3. The tilt-up door systemof claim 2 further comprising a third cam surface, vertically spacedbeneath the third descending segment of the at least one first camsurface, comprising a terminal ramped segment, whereby the at least onecam follower is prevented from unintended oscillating movement withrespect to the at least one first cam surface as the at least one camfollower extends along the third descending segment during movementtoward or from an opened, raised position.
 4. The tilt-up door system ofclaim 3 wherein the second cam surface and the third cam surface areintegrally coupled with a fourth cam surface vertically spaced beneaththe at least one first cam surface.
 5. The tilt-up door system of claim1 further comprising a second cam surface parallel to and verticallyspaced beneath the at least one first cam surface.
 6. The tilt-up doorsystem of claim 5 wherein the second cam surface is vertically spacedbeneath the at least one first cam surface such that the at least onecam follower is simultaneously in contact with the at least one firstcam surface and the second cam surface.
 7. The tilt-up door system ofclaim 1 further comprising a motor operably coupled with the door andthe door frame to provide the motive force to move the door with respectto the door frame.
 8. The tilt-up door system of claim 1 wherein thedoor has a width dimension that is at least two times greater than aheight dimension of the door.
 9. The tilt-up door system of claim 1further comprising a truss extending horizontally across an exteriorsurface of the door.
 10. The tilt-up door of claim 1 wherein a terminalend of the third descending segment of the at least one first camsurface extends vertically lower than an initial end of the secondinclined segment.